Organizations who want to thank Vietnam Veterans for their service can join the Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner Program.
Many organizations host events around March 29, which is Vietnam War Veterans Day.
“Anyone wanting to host a March 29 event should become a partner in the coming weeks to host an event,” said Army Lt. Col. Shawn Butler, Vietnam War Commemoration events chief. “These ceremonies are excellent programs to thank our Vietnam Veterans.”
The commemoration recognizes all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location; and their families.
Becoming a partner
For those who aren’t already a member of the Commemorative Partner Program, joining is easy. Organizations must submit an application and a signed Statement of Understanding. Applications are available at www.vietnamwar50th.com under the Commemorative Partner Program tab.
The approval process is usually less than 30 days after submission of a complete application and Statement of Understanding. Partners are kept informed through electronic notifications. Once approved as a Partner, the Commemoration will provide organizations with a starter kit of materials for developing and implementing their programs. Questions regarding the Commemorative Partner Program application process can be directed to: whs.vnwar50th_cpp@mail.mil.
Creating an event
Once a group becomes a partner, they receive a partner portal login. This allows the partner to create an event that is searchable on https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/.
The Vietnam War Commemoration provides several items for an event. These include:
- Lapel pins for both Vietnam Veterans and surviving spouses.
- Presidential proclamations.
- Program brochures.
- “We Heart” and “I Served” bumper stickers.
- Tin pins for family members and the 50th anniversary.
Search for an event
More than 11,000 commemorative partners conduct events in their local communities throughout the year to recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families. People can learn about events in their local community by visiting https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/. Visitors can search for event by name, date, country, zip code and category. The site also allows visitors to search within a 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mile distance of a zip code. 
Objectives
The commemorative partner program will include activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives:
- Thank and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States; and to thank and honor the families of these Veterans.
- Highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
- Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
- Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
- Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and, “in conducting the commemorative program, the Secretary shall coordinate, support, and facilitate other programs and activities of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and other persons and organizations in commemoration of the Vietnam War.”
To learn more about the program visit their site at https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamWar50th/.
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I served from 67-71 on the USS Lexington we trained navy and marine pilots how to land and take off on a carrier. We worked from about 5am-1 or 2am hour on hour off m-f .we averaged 4000 landings,4000 cat shots and touch and go per month .i did this for 4 years . When I traveled any where we were harassed .when I got out I was only comfortable with guys I grew up with who served .i went to Vietnam veterans of America and was told I couldn’t join because I wasn’t in country,but a guy who served in nam handing out socks could .what a joke ,I couldn’t associate with civilians and had nam vets always bring it up that I didn’t serve in country even though I volunteered. All men who worked on flight deck delt with planes crashing on deck or sea and crew men injured or killed.we got hazardous duty pay for 48months not 12 like those in country .i not putting down those who served in country, just venting my frustration ,but I will never wear a pin or a patch ,bumper sticker.my ships ball cap is fine ,I know what I did and my buddies
I enlisted in the Army in Feb 1974 and left for boot camp 8 hours after I graduated high school. I never served in Nam, but I had 2 uncle’s that did tours in Nam. I spent 24 1/2 yours serving our great country with tours in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and during the Bosina/Herzegovina crisis. Retiring as a 1SG, I went on to teach high school JROTC, teaching our young people to be better citizens and Americans. There is a group of Veterans (from all eras) and Patriots that meet every Friday at the Monument Terrace in Lynchburg Virginia to support our troops (both present, past, at home and abroad). Check out their Facebook page. All I have to say is WELCOME HOME MY BROTHERS!!
I was drafted and served in RVN, Chu Lai in 1971. I’ve been plugging along since 1993 when I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer and lost my kidney. I’ve learned more over the years about the exposure to AO and JP-4/5. The response I’ve received 3 different times is there is not enough science to support the relationship. This leaves me to suspect they are dragging there feet on these issues as those of us who were exposed to a variety of hazardous things are dying off.
The hazards are known and 27 years in my case only, not to mention those exposed 20 years before that, how long does it take to recognize the undeniable connection of JP4 and the AO sprayed over us all. The same silver bird that sprayed AO sprayed ( daily) insecticide cut with JP over the entire post at Chu Lai. AO was bad enough but, it seems the hazards related to JP and cancer are undeniable. Lets go VA get it done, if you really mean it.
“Welcome Home” has stronger meaning with me as when I returned and tried to rent a car at the Airport to drive home and surprise my wife and kids I got into an argument with the car rental agent as they wouldn’t except cash. and they called security and a passerby called me a baby killer.
Retired veteran 11th armored cavalry RVN 1969-70. Take issue with the overworked “hero” to all who served. I knew a few men in the 11th Cav who were true heroes. Myself, a young soldier trying to stay alive . Now suffering from bladder cancer that stems from problems since Vietnam. VA will not acknowledge bladder cancer for compensation. I would strongly encourage veterans to take advantage of the VA medical service. Although I am disappointed in my medical compensation evaluation by VA the treatment has been excellent. Kudos to those who work for the VA.
Amen brother!!! Simper Fi!! It has been a long time coming. Thanks Sgt Sherman
I enjoyed all the the comments I just read. I myself was in Vietnam 69-70 I like M.Martin joined right out of high school. I told them I wanted to be 11-B-40 and serve my time in Vietnam . They made me see a shrink .I just wanted to serve my country the best way I could.I was one of the lucky ones to make it home. I earned some metals and could not wear them in fear of what might happen when I got off the plane. Now I have 4 stents 4 heart attacks.I would do it again in a min. Thanks to ALL who served.
I served in Chu Lai Vietnam in 1965-66 my brother was there after I returned to CONUS. He was my older brother and later died of Agent Orange. We served proudly with the USMC . WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETS YOU !
in 1971 drafted served 2 years when all others dodged the draft .in 2010 got cancer went to va and was told made to much money to go to va got in touch with mitches office and andy bars office to find out why they wanted to no how much money i have it is now 2020 and neather one has ever answered me after 10 years and a number of trys to get a answer but they just gave the state 150millon to study drug habits
Struggling to get the VA to reconsider my dad’s case. He served in the Vietnam tour on the SS Vega and he developed heart issues when heart problems do not run genetically in the blood lines. He was the 1st to pass this past June at 71. My father was meticulous about maintaining a certain weight and watching his diet and continued to work. He didn’t smoke or eat bad. He told me that he was sure his heart issues were related to his exposure to Agent Orange in Nam. He wasn’t prepared to pass. He should still be with us. I hope the VA reconsiders his case. To his military brothers and sisters, Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and dedication to this country and it’s people.
Sorry to hear about your dad and know that his service to our nation is appreciated. It is my understanding that the VA will not pursue your fathers case after he has passed. Benefits are only authorized for the veteran with the conditions, not the dependents.
Being one of three brothers that served in country one giving the ultimate sacrifice and all U.S. Marines. I know first hand the feeling of not belonging. I suffer from the effects of agent Orange. Lost my other brother to the same. The constant battle for just disability and recongnition is pass due. If the goverment sits idle and doesn’t recongize the list of growing deseases from Agent Orange and make veterans fight for disability. I’ll make a suggestion..reparations..come up with a figure..for what our goverment consented to and allowed. But to cover yourself when class action lawsuits started flying our goverment claimed Non proscui. You let it happen you made yourself liable. That just shows you that you don’t matter you were just a body with a service number.
I was there from 1968 to the end, But the VA will not agree with me because I was in the USAF reserve Flying in the C 141 aircraft as a Loadmaster in 1994 I had heart surgery from being exposed to Agent Orange while I was offloading and loading the aircraft. After about twenty years and countless letters to the VA. I gave them a copy of my form 5 showing I had over 9500 hours flying with the reserve with trips to Vietnam, When I first showed then the form they told me I went there but did not stop well government dose strange things but they would not send the aircraft from the west coast of the US just for combat pay. In 2018 they gave me a disability for my hearing but not my heart problem. I was told by the VA any one on the ground was exposed to Agent Orange, But not if you are a Reservist. I brought out many wounded GI in the aircraft as an air evac mission I hope the all made it home ok. I am a proud reservist at 83 yrs old I think about all of you people protecting us hear in the USA thanks a lot.
push your representatives to support Congressman Westerman’s HR2200 “Keep Our Promises Act”
It is my hope to add to this organization with my Love America Tour with Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Bob
Great video & information It is my hope to add to a this wonderful program!
O.K. you got me this time, I only receiver a rotten tomato and a rock to the forehead in 1963, from my home town people, this brought me to tears 57 years too late!
When I was released from active duty, they told us that they recommended to travel home in civilian cloths so that you wouldn’t have eggs or tomatos thrown at you. Great welcome home from the people that you fought for!
Welcome Home my Brothers and Sisters…Semper Fi
I had brother in law that suffered with PTSD as a result of his service in Vietnam and took his own life as there was no help for him and friend who died of agent orange who’s name’s should be on the Wall. I served but I was just a clerk processing 105 pilots for TDY filling out their AF246
Some of us were drafted for that war. Myself and others enlisted instead of being drafted. I enlisted in 1969 at age 19, my father enlisted at 17 fir WWII, his mother signed the papers, WWII Vets are dwindling in number, the Korean vets too are fading in numbers. Vietnam Vets still exist in numbers but were a long time waiting for a country to begin to acknowledge their service, many hid their veteran status after coming home because of the treatment others had received. I turned 70 yesterday, I enlisted in a time of war, I was proud to serve then, I am proud that I did serve, I would never tell my children or grandchildren not to serve, if they enlist I would honor them, pray for their safety, and and thank them fir serving.
I was and am a Vietnam Veteran. I wasn’t a combat vet yet, but spent my time training for Para Rescue, until I hurt my knee then in the medical support team. I was treated harshly by civilians. Never got the warm welcome that i see now days. It hurts to see it. I do thing Welcome home would be a more appropriate phrase to use for us Vietnam Vets. Even now I am taken back when someone says “than you for your service”. I could barely get the thank you out with the lump in my throat and holding back the tears. Finally I started to say “it was my honor and pleasure to have served you”. Putting it back on them. Thank you for letting me post.
EVERY WAR VETERAN RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE METAL FOR THEIR SERVICE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE VIETNAM WAR. THE VETS ARE GETTING A LITTLE PIN AS A COUNTRIES GRATUTIDE, WHAT A JOKE. THOSE WHO WERE IN COUNTRY DIFFENTLY GET THEIR METALS. BUT THE REST OF THE VETS GET THE PIN. I HAVE HEARD THE GOOFBALLS IN WASHINGTION HAVE SAID IT WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE. THATS BULL. WE TAKE IN 4 TRILLION A YEAR.I WAS A BODY BEARER FROM 65-66. AND I AM CONFLICTED. AM I A VIETNAM WAR VET LIKE THE WWII MEN OR THE KOREAN WAR VETS WHO SERVED AROUND THE WORLD IN SUPPORT OF THE WAR.
PAUL F ECKMAN
The words “thank you for your service” are meaningful to all veterans, but “Welcome Home” are the special code words recognized by Vietnam War veterans. These words always put a lump in my throat and bring tears to my eyes. Try it next time you thank a Vietnam War vet and see for yourself.
You nailed it.
Julio solis, im a veteran and can help other veterans with filling out the forms but not certified. Why path should I take to get some certificates
I feel the best way to honor we Vietnam Veterans is by passing HR2200 sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman. This bill reinstates the rules requiring the VA to consider/reply to recommendations by NAM/NIH for additions to the Agent Orange Presumptive list. The old law expired few years ago and VA has refused to honor their commitment to us by adding recommended diseases such as advanced bladder cancer of which I suffer and which was most likely cause by my AO exposure in Vietnam. Until HR2200 is passed the VA will continue to deny we veterans our rights as we die at a rate of 390 per day reported. Could there be a correlation between their denial and our death rates? Recognition programs are nice but true recognition of the damage done us in service our country should be the VA’s real mission. All else is eye candy.
As a decorated RVN combat veteran, I know first-hand the valuable lessons of the Vietnam War. While we honor MIA and KIA, it’s also important to hear the lessons from those who were there.
Please focus on those that were KIA or MIA. The rest of us just served, regardless of the assignment. I hope that isn’t taken wrong but it does reflect my priorities.
No such thing as “just served,.” You went when others did not. You served, with honor, period.
Thank you so much for this video.i am a Vietnam vet.( Put me in years), I also help other vets . With orgs like vets for vets, peer to peer certified by the state of Texas